BedsLife Magazine July 2018 by BedsLife Magazine

Your Local Community Magazine

FREE July 2018

WIN!

Cineworld Tickets Salt Cave Experience £25 Crossword River Festival Weekend! 14th & 15th July Autism Bedfordshire – Need volunteers Citizens Advice Bedford 6 Page What’s On Guide!

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Content Welcome.. & Features to July...

A busy month in our lovely town with one of our most exciting events of the calendar – the River Festival!

Bedford Embankment and the surrounding area will literally transform into a vibrant, bustling, jam-packed sea of visitors over the weekend on July 14th & 15th with boat races, community stages, stalls, food & drink, entertainment & music and evening fireworks! With so much for everyone, it is an event not to be missed – we just need to hope that it doesn’t rain! Even then, the festival will go on!

This month, we support Autism Bedfordshire as our charity of the month – read about who they are, what they do and what summer plans they have with The Pavilion on p12. The theme of support continues for the community via the Citizens Advice service. Find out on p4 about their services and how they can help. With summer here at last, there are lots of leisure events, entertainment and things to join in with so check out our What’s On Guide. So enjoy your July – summer holidays commence soon too so get ready for the long (and hopefully sunny) weeks ahead! If sport is your thing, check out p39 for Sport summer courses. If your children like reading, the summer reading challenge info is on p26. Enjoy

BedsLife Magazine @BedsLife

Augus bookingt deadline 6th July 2018

Citizens Advice Bedford

Council Round Up

Consumer Advice

Charity – Autism Bedfordshire

Ready, Steady, Roll

Senior Snippets

Philharmonic Orchestra

What’s On Guide

MK Theatre – Flashdance

WIN 2 Cineworld Tickets

£25 Crossword

Pet Health – High BP in Cats

Take Me Home

Gardens – Feeling Fruity?

Classifieds & Services

Volunteering Opportunites

Vertigo Experience June winners – Mrs. Leyla Larham, New Cardington / Mrs Johnson, Bedford

Advertising Christa Tel 01234 962929 / 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Teresa Tel 01234 310521 / 07429 136815 E: teresa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Design and Artwork Doug Dawson Creative Ltd www.dougdawson.co.uk

Disclaimer All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, BedsLife Ltd

can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

Citizens Advice Bedford

itizen’s Advice Bedford in St. Pauls Square offers Free, independent, impartial and confidential advice to anyone living or working within Bedford Borough.

Services offered include assistance with budgeting, (particularly popular with clients with debt problems and those going onto Universal Credit),comparing and switching energy providers, Benefits, Debt, Employment, Housing, Immigration and Consumer problems. Information can be accessed via our website but lots of people prefer to talk through their problems so we offer several access routes for our clients. We offer daily ‘drop in’ sessions and also daily ‘debt clinics’- (No appointments needed) Monday to Thursday 9.30am – 3.00pm Fridays 9.30am – 12.00pm We also have an Outreach ‘drop in’ clinic at London Road Doctors Surgery on Fridays – 9.30am – 3.00pm We have a dedicated telephone service: Monday – Thursday 9.45am – 1.00pm Tel: 01234 867944 – (All calls are charged at a local rate. All calls are recorded for training and monitoring purposes. Your details are also logged on our internal computer system, which are not shared without your permission and are protected by the Data Protection Act.) 4

We have an email enquiry form linked to our website: www.bedfordcab.org.uk Want to help? What you may not know is that our Advice Service is mainly provided by a dedicated team of fully trained volunteers. Volunteers come to us for many reasons and without our volunteers we would be unable to provide the service that we do. Employers like our structured modular training programme and as a volunteer you will learn many transferable skills. To be a volunteer you need to be able to commit to a minimum of 3-6 months for at least 6 hours each week, have an open mind and be non – judgemental, be IT literate, have good written and spoken English and want to be part of a team that is making a difference to our local community. All volunteers undertake a highly respected structured training programme and have dedicated supervision and support from a team of Supervisors. We are actively recruiting for volunteers so if you would like to join our diverse team of volunteers or would like to find out more please visit ’ work for us’ and ‘ volunteer vacancies’ pages on the website www.bedfordcab.org.uk or for a chat to find out more please contact : Angela Stammers – Training and Recruitment Manager 01234 346543 – 07496 676883 angela@bedfordcab.org.uk

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COMMUNITY

Council news

Bedford’s Big High Street Showcase Brings Biggest Footfall to Town Centre

Bedford’s Big High Street Showcase took place on the 2nd June, 2018 along High Street, Mill Street and in the Arcade bringing in the largest footfall of any Saturday so far this year. Over 40 different businesses and local organisation traded outside on the day with many offering services and goods at special event prices. Further attractions included children’s entertainment such as face painting, a climbing wall and funfair rides. The Lady K stage welcomed local talent on its stage featuring choirs, bands, soloists & dancing.

New Car Park for Bedford Town Centre- Now Open Following improvement works, a new public car park has now opened south of the river at St Mary’s Gardens. This investment has seen an existing car park between Borough Hall and Bedford College greatly improved and now open to the public creating more parking, including 3 disabled spaces, just over the river from our town centre. St Mary’s Gardens is a lovely and underused stretch of our riverside, and with the new footbridge linking to Riverside Bedford this car park will make it even easier for people, particularly from south of the river, to visit our thriving town centre.

Just One Month To Go Until Bedford River Festival 2018! This year’s River Festival is fast approaching with the event taking place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th July, celebrating its 40th Anniversary. There is still time to get involved in the Parade which this year will follow a new route covering even more of the town centre. The Parade will be led by the Bedford Pipe Band, and vehicles will again be permitted so groups can walk or organise a float. There is plenty happening on the water too with boat parades, a river swim, inflatable animal race, Jet Boots displays, a canoe river cruise, and paddleboard racing. There will also be lots of opportunities to come and have a go at new activities at the Sports Village and Watersports Arena. Around the Embankment will see a WW1 Heritage Village, funfairs and plenty of live music and events on six separate stages across the site. There will also be plenty of stalls to browse, with food from around the world, displays from Bedford College, Made in Bedford and the Artists Network as well as a marquee hosting The Higgins Bedford. Programmes are available from the Customer Contact Centre, Borough Hall, the Borough’s libraries, or The Higgins Bedford. For more information visit www.bedford.gov.uk/riverfestival. 6

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MP COLUMN

Views from

Alistair Burt, your Local MP... HOMELESSNESS IN BEDFORDSHIRE

I receive a steady flow of emails from constituents throughout the year who are worried about the levels of homelessness and rough sleeping they see in our area. I fully sympathise with these concerns and think it is crucial that we help the most vulnerable in society get their lives back on track.

The Department of Health is also providing funding for the Homeless Change and Platform for Life programmes. These help to address mental health issues by providing decent accommodation and health support for homeless people, and highlighting the importance of services coming together to help those on the street with complex needs. The One Housing Group in Bedford is one of the agencies to benefit and will be allocated £971,500.

A huge amount of work has been taking place across government departments in partnership with local authorities, charities and agencies to address this and I welcome the progress which is being made. However, it still remains a significant problem and much more needs to be done to achieve the Government’s commitment of halving rough sleeping by 2022 and eradicating it altogether by 2027.

Recently, the Government has been working closely with local authorities to create tailored packages to tackle rough sleeping in their area under the Rough Sleeping Initiative. A £30m fund has been set up and £307,000 of this money has been allocated to Bedford Borough. This funding will provide for over 500 new staff nationally, including more outreach workers to engage with people on the streets, specialist mental health and substance misuse workers, and dedicated co-ordinators to drive efforts to reduce rough sleeping in their areas. It will also provide over 1700 new bedspaces including both emergency and settled accommodation.

The causes of homelessness and rough sleeping are often complex and funding is being increased in a number of areas to seek ways to address this. In total, over £1 billion has been allocated through to 2020. This includes £100 million to deliver lowcost move-on accommodation places for people leaving hostels and refuges to make a sustainable recovery; a £20 million rough sleeping grant fund for targeted prevention and early intervention for those at imminent risk of sleeping rough or new to the streets; and £15 million for the Fair Chance Fund programme which is supporting around 1,900 homeless 18-25 year olds with complex needs into accommodation, education, training and employment. 8

I welcome this multi-agency approach and am confident that substantial results will be achieved.

Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP

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Money Matters

By Martin Lewis

Don’t believe reports of the death of

ank charges don’t need to be fair. That was the sad, and surprising, ruling of the Supreme Court back in 2009, when it overturned the high court on a technicality. The campaign to reclaim unfair bank charges had been raging for five years until then, with over £1 billion paid out by that point. Yet reports of the death of bank charge reclaiming are exaggerated. Firstly, its effect has echoed for years. So much so, that these days no UK banks charge those hideous £35 per transaction fees for busting your overdraft limit; that could mean you spend £20 on shopping in five different shops, and find yourself owing £175 in charges. If you couldn’t pay those, charges on charges, meant it’d snowball into thousands. The banking regulator the FCA now requires banks to have a monthly cap on unarranged overdraft fees.

You can still reclaim charges now More importantly, while being able to reclaim every charge regardless are long gone, some can still get the money back. The key is that the charges need to have contributed to genuine financial hardship; such as being unable to repay your mortgage, rent, energy, or credit 10

cards, or regularly having payments returned due to a lack of cash. If this has happened to you, then write to the bank explaining your situation, and ask for a refund of all the charges over that period. There’s full step-bystep help (and those template letters) available at www.mse.me/bankcharges. When you ask, some banks will simply pay out. Unsurprisingly though, most won’t. They may even write you a very formal legally drafted letter which tells you it’s a load of baloney and you aren’t entitled to anything. If they do, don’t worry. That’s just part of the dance. Don’t let it put you off. If you think your charges have been unfair and caused you hardship, carry on. The next stage is to simply move on to the free www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk service where you will get an impartial adjudication. If you’re not in hardship, it’s very unlikely you’ll get money back. However, if it’s a first time one-off charge, it’s always worth politely asking the bank to remove it. Often (no promises) it’ll wipe it first time. Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 12 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip.

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Mental Health and Autism

Autism course has been specifically designed around this challenging area, and is particularly useful for those supporting individuals with very complex needs.

ven though mental illness can be more common for autistic people than in the general population, their mental health is often overlooked or, worse, viewed as an inevitable consequence of being autistic – when in fact it is often due to a lack of reasonable adjustment being made for their needs Anxiety disorders are very common amongst autistic people, resulting in sadness or depression – one reason why a mixture of anxiety and depression is common. Autistic people often have difficulty recognising their symptoms and communicating these – no matter how articulate they may be. Autism Bedfordshire are passionate about supporting autistic people to lead the best lives they can, offering a variety of training courses to support practitioners and parents in meeting the needs of autistic family members/clients/service users and pupils. Our one day Mental Health and 12

Our next course is in Dunstable on Thursday 5th July, 2018 from 10am until 4pm. The day includes a fascinating insight into the experience of an autistic guest presenter, as well as information about some of the mental health conditions commonly experienced by autistic individuals. Delegates will gain a more practical understanding of how to adapt environments and practices and can access resources and strategies to supporting some mental health issues and share good practice with other attendees. To attend, please contact us on 01234 350704, or book via our website –www.autismbedfordshire. net/Event/mental-health-autism Autism Bedfordshire is proud to be the chosen charity partner for both Bedfringe and Pavilion in the Park this summer. We are delighted to be working with Emma Garrett – and Adrian Grubb, Director of the Pavilion Playhouse, has generously provided us with tickets for our raflle at Bedfringe. We will attend the Pavilion’s summer performances at Bedford Park collecting funds and educating people. We are grateful for all the support we are receiving from Pavilion in the Park, Pavilion Playhouse and Bedfringe.

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Ready Steady Roll is an award winning toy and board game shop in Sharnbrook with a dedicated area to play games with guidance from our Games Guru! Our Board Game Library is a great way to spend the afternoon as a family, with a group of friends or as a couple. We have games for every need, a deep strategy game, a light party game or anything in between. With a huge selection of board, card and dexterity games to choose from there is something for everyone. Book a table and come and join us for a few hours of game playing, cake eating and coffee drinking fun! We also serve freshly made homemade cakes, maybe a Triple Tier Salted Caramel Cake or some Gluten Free Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake? Just £3 for adults and £2 for children (perfect for ages 6+). £1 per person to play during the week (term time) when you buy any drink Ready Steady Roll, Studio 5, Ivy Lodge Farm, A6 Rushden Road, Sharnbrook, MK44 1ND Tel 07584 484101 www.readysteadyroll.co.uk

A charity providing a real workable alternative to homelessness, offering people a home, as well as meaningful work in our social enterprise.

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WHAT IS THE BREAD PROJECT?

The Bread Project is a Free Food shop that is geared towards the alleviation of food insecurity and for individuals and families in crisis. The shop stocks a wide variety of items, thus ensuring that as much as possible, most tastes are well catered for. It currently opens twice a year and is entirely run by volunteers. The Shop is stocked by donations from the public and with continued support the project hopes to increase its openings throughout the year.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Prior to each opening, the project reaches out to various agencies, groups and relevant organisations, including charities, faith groups , educational institutions, governmental agencies, health agencies, including GP surgeries, etc to invite referrals. Anyone or family referred can then attend the shop on the allocated day, where they can shop for free.

NEXT OPENING: SHOP OPENS SATURDAY 7TH JULY 2018

CONTACT US: Telephone: 07848 968 435 Email: info@thebreadproject.org Website: www.thebreadproject.org (The Bread Project is run by Glory and Fire Ministries International â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Registered Charity in England -1132157)

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Senior Snippets Tips to stay safe online

75% of adults aged 65+ are logging on more than ever –emailing, using Skype and Facebook, booking holidays, shopping and interacting on social media. But over 75’s are more at risk of being targeted by internet fraudsters.

Manage your messages – DON’T open emails or respond to any social media messages that look suspicious. Don’t give out personal information like banking and credit card numbers to people you don’t know.

Create a strong password – DON’T use the same one for all accounts. Mix it up – use a combination of letters, capitals and numbers and don’t use things which would be easy to guess.

Savvy shopping – Make sure you are buying from reputable sources .If you’re using a site like eBay, never transfer any money directly to a bank account or hand over personal details.

Be aware of what you share – DON’T divulge too much personal information on social media– DOB, address etc. Check the privacy settings on your social media so only people you want to share your information with can see it.

Report it! – Any concerns that you or a loved one might have been scammed call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Secure your software – DO have security on your computer and an updating system. There are many anti-virus programs available.

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Philharmonica Orchestra

Brings the Virtual Orchestra to Bedford

he world-famous Philharmonia Orchestra, resident orchestra at Bedford Corn Exchange, comes to Bedford this July and August with The Virtual Orchestra. A free six-week outdoor digital installation on Riverside Square, Bedford will offer an experience for all the family that gives everyone the opportunity to experience a symphony orchestra up-close. A large tent on Riverside Square will become home to a 10-room installation that showcases the internal workings of the Philharmonia as the orchestra performs Holst’s The Planets. Virtual reality headsets will transport you to a concert hall stage where you can see and hear the orchestra up close in 360-degree virtual reality. The concert is short, friendly and informal and presented by a specialist to guide you through the music, plus you can relax on a beanbag while you watch or stand at the back and enjoy with a drink. There is also the opportunity to play along with the orchestra’s percussion section, use the Philharmonia’s virtual reality headsets and join a guided tour of the installation led by music specialists, all for free.

Around this central hub of activity, the orchestra will deliver a series of schools, family and community workshops with fun hands-on activities for all ages. A fringe programme delivered by local groups including Fusion Youth Singing and Band and Bedford Creative Arts, schools and the Philharmonia Orchestra will host activities around the town such as karaoke (3 August 2018), and free running (10 August 2018), with themes related to Holst’s The Planets. The Virtual Orchestra culminates with a live concert with a twist on 10 August 2018 at Bedford Corn Exchange The Virtual Orchestra is a new flagship audience development project that aims to broaden and deepen engagement with orchestral music. The concept at the heart of this ambitious project is to engage people through digital experiences – and associated outreach programme and live performances – outside of the concert hall in public spaces and in the local community, all in partnership with local arts organisations and charities.

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What is

Salt Therapy? S

alt Therapy aka Halotherapy is a powerful, natural treatment in a controlled air medium that simulates the natural salt cave microclimate to treat respiratory and skin conditions. This is no health fad – from the ancient Greeks to modernday doctors, medical experts have championed its amazing effects. The Salt Cave Bedford provides 100% natural, effective, risk-free Salt Therapy treatments. Visitors merely sit back in one of our treatment rooms, where the healing micro-climate of a natural salt cave is reproduced by the most advanced device called Breeze Tronic Pro. This technology is used ONLY by The Salt Cave franchise in the United Kingdom.

! n o i t i t e p m Co

To be in with a chance to win 1 x Pair of Adult Tickets or 1 x Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) (Please state which prize you would like on your entry). Just answer the following question

What is Salt Therapy also known as?

Email your answers to christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by Friday 13th July.

Salt Therapy can be used to assist with many respiratory conditions such as :Asthma | Sinusitis | Hay fever and Allergies | COPD – Bronchitis and Emphysema | Bronchiectasis | Coughs | Cystic Fibrosis | Eczema and Psoriasis Our Adult Room mixes tranquillity and therapy in perfect harmony. With a range of recliners, chairs and bean bags you can select your therapy style. Salt Therapy for children – nothing artificial! Why not try The Salt Caves natural method of healing before starting your children on long-term medication, where the hormone content of many drugs can cause serious and dangerous sideeffects? Each Child’s Salt Room has a TV, plenty of toys and a travel cot. Children are free to play and do not even realise that they are having a treatment. At The Salt Cave supervision is always free; which means you can go into the Child’s Salt Room with your little one, anytime he/she has a session.

The Salt Cave Twinwoods Adventure, 36 Twinwoods Business Park, Thurleigh Road, Milton Ernest, MK44 1FD Tel 0845 200 2960 Booking office open from 9am to 5pm 7 days a week www.twinwoodsadventure.com/saltcave

STT will be 20 years old in May 2018. We started rehearsing in February 1998 and our first concert was held at “The Saxon Club” in Kempston on Thursday 7th May 1998. This is a remarkable achievement for an organisation funded entirely by its audiences. Without you, none of this would have been possible and so tonight is your night, You choose what you want to hear. Contact us with your requests and help us to celebrate. THIS IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR BIG BAND SWING AT ITS VERY BEST, CLOSE UP & ACCOUSTIC. OUR RECENT SHOWS AT THE PLACE HAVE SOLD OUT, SO BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

THURS 5th JULY, THE PLACE, BEDFORD, START 8:00, TICKETS £12.50. BOOK ONLINE AT www.theplacebedord.org.uk OR CALL 07802 705401 To advertise with us please get in touch – www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

Book

Review Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Siji

This is a remarkable little book, considered by many to be a modern classic – so much so that it has already found itself on some GCSE English Literature syllabuses. Set in 1971, Sijie’s novel follows the story of two middle class city boys, forcibly removed to the Chinese countryside for re-education as part of the Cultural Revolution. Guilty only of having doctors and dentists for parents, they are subjected to punishingly hard physical work and appalling living conditions. Two things make their lives bearable – the presence nearby of the beautiful Little Seamstress, and a collection of books, first borrowed and then audaciously stolen from a friend, which open up a world beyond the mountains. Sijie’s story crackles with wit and humour throughout – the opening scene, in which the narrator finds himself playing a tune hastily retitled ‘Mozart is Thinking of Chairman Mao’ sets the tone instantly. But this is also a story about the power of words and the power of desire, and as such is beautifully told. Comic episodes are interwoven skilfully with passages exploring the transformative power of literature, and before you know it you have reached the inevitable yet poignant conclusion, which will stay with you for a long time afterwards.

By Willow Coby

GUITAR LESSONS

www.mikeleighguitar.com Call Mike on 07944 126798

or see website

Film

SERVICES

Review Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

All Ages Welcome

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The disastrous Dinosaur theme park from the first of the new Jurassic films is now nothing but a ruin, the island it was on is about to suffer a catastrophic volcano eruption and once more the world could see the end of the much loved prehistoric creatures. Chris Pratt has become a massive star in the last few years mainly in part to the first Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy. Once again in this sequel he shows the charisma and star quality that has led to his rise to the top. Sadly the film isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as good as he is. It is hugely enjoyable as an action spectacular, that cannot be denied, but it does lack something in the second half of the movie to really be called a great movie. Jurassic World manages to be very entertaining while also leaving you wondering about many things after you leave the cinema. The first Jurassic World was eminently rewatchable while this sequel is the lesser movie that you will enjoy one time but probably not really want to watch again and again, unless you really are a massive Dinosaur/Jurassic fan!

Simon White 31

WHAT'SON Your essential guide to activities, clubs, events and lots more in your area. There’s something for everyone! ARTS & CRAFTS, TALKS & DEMONSTRATIONS Bedford Guided Walks Led by the Bedford Association of Tour Guides Meet at the old BPHA Customer Service Centre, St Paul’s Square 11am Sunday 1 July I Never Knew That Sunday 8 July The Silent Faces of Bedford Sunday 15 July The Jewel in the Crown Sunday 22 July The Life and Times of John Bunyan Sunday 29 July The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle Cost £3 Pre-booking essential! The Box Office, Harpur Street, Harpur Square, Bedford MK40 1LE Tel 01234 718044 email cornexchange@bedford.gov.uk www.bedford.gov.uk/guidedwalks Bedford Floral Art Society Tuesday July 3rd 7.30pm Vicki Hease presents ‘ Treasured Moments’ Raffle of arrangements, Sales table, Visitors £7 Everyone Welcome. Addison Centre, Kempston www.bedfordfloralartsociety.co.uk Upstart Printmakers – Exhibition of prints at the John Bunyan Museum Tuesday 7th – Saturday 11th August, 11am – 4pm daily. Free drop-in Print Workshop on Saturday, 11th August, 11am – 3pm. Contact: Kevin 07981 027543 (no unaccompanied children). John Bunyan Museum, Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3EU Bedfordshire Family History Society Friday 13th July 7.15pm Interested in Family History? Then come along to the next monthly talk on “Bedford’s Old Industries” by David Fowler Drama Hall, Mark Rutherford School Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk Art Exhibition and Sale for St Mary’s Church Sat 14th July 10am to 5pm & Sun 15th July 12noon to 4pm. Entry £1.00. Info & entry forms – Sue (01234 720442). Carlton Village Hall, The Moor, Carlton, Beds, for St Mary’s Church

Biddenham Gardeners Association Tuesday 17th July at 7.30 AGM with cheese and wine Visitors very welcome, Admission £5 per meeting – includes Raffle & Refreshments Biddenham Village Hall www.biddenhamgardenersassociation.org.uk. Bedford RSPB local group – Evening Walk Thursday 19th July 7pm Suitable for Experts and Novices, RSPB membership not essential. The Lodge, Sandy meet in the car park. SG19 2DL. More info www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford Rushden Flower Arrangement Club, meeting Thursday 26th July 7pm for 7.30pm Demonstration by Lisa Sampson – “Enjoyable Flowers” with Raffle of designs and Refreshments Members £3.00 Visitors £7.00 Full Gospel Church Hall, High Street South, NN10 0QX Tel 01933 410280

CLASSES, CLUBS & GROUPS MONDAYS

“Ouse Valley Singers Mondays 7.30 p.m Four-part harmony mixed choir who perform mainly for charitable purposes in the North Beds area. Rehearsals held in Sharnbrook Methodist Church performing mainly light music e.g. show music, folk songs, etc. Contact Sue Plant 01234 314229.” Kempston and District Model Railway Society Every Monday 7.30pm-10pm NEW VENUE Kempston East Methodist Church. New members welcome. Contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com

TUESDAYS

Steady Folk Music Session Last Tuesday of each month 7.30pm All standards of musician welcome whatever they play. Burnaby Arms, Stanley Street, Bedford MK41 7RU Michael Bliss 01234 308449. Bedford Camera Club Every Tuesday 7.30pm Just starting out, or a photography enthusiast? Come and join a group of friendly, like minded people for talks and competitions. Scott Lower School, Hawk Drive, Bedford MK41 7JA Contact John Gough 07748572845. www.bedfordcameraclub.co.uk.

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Silver lining Club for the Silver Haired First Tuesday of the month 2pm-4pm FREE Various activities or just sit and chat with a cup of tea or coffee. Park Road Methodist Church Roff Avenue, opposite the high flats. Number 10 bus stops outside. Rotary Club of Bedford de Parys Meet for breakfast every Tuesday 7.15am for 7.30am start. Fellowship, fundraising and interesting speakers The Embankment Hotel, Bedford www.bedforddeparysrotary.co.uk Scottish Country Dancing – Beginners Tuesday evenings 8pm –10pm £2.50 per session, first evening free. Singles welcome No experience/partners needed. Wear soft shoes. ARA Social Club, Manton Lane, Bedford Keith Rose 01234 781448 keith@krose.plus.com Bedfordshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers 1st Tuesday evening each month 7.30 – 9.30pm 3rd Saturday 10.30am. – 4.30pm each month.A friendly group of lovers of textile related crafts have changed venue to Flitwick Village Hall, 11 Dunstable Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1HP

WEDNESDAYS

BOSOM PALS – Breast Cancer Charity 2nd Wednesday of each month 7.30pm to 9.45pm Friendly support group for ladies who have or have had breast cancer. Our aim is to provide information and support to help those going through breast cancer treatment and beyond. Good social activities throughout the year. Transfiguration Church Hall, Bedford Road, Kempston, MK42 8BQ. Contact Denise 01234 771746 or Pauline 01234 350079 or email bosom-palsbedford@outlook.com Local Friendship Group We meet at a local public house every Wednesday at 8pm. New members welcome Call 07835 732412/07925 910639. Email: friendshipclub365@gmail.com Irish Ceili and Set Dancing. Wednesdays 8 pm to 10 pm £2 per session – first evening free. No partner required. Beginners welcome. The Reading Room, 1, Barkers Lane, Bedford. Ring Pat 01234 308224 for more details.

Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club First, Third and Fifth Wednesday of each month eve 8-10pm Friendly social Folk Dancing Club It’s good fun for only £1 incl. refreshments No partner required. St Marks Church Hall, Calder Rise (off Avon Drive), Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7UY Rosemary Mcneilage 01234 405594 MENCAP – Smiley Club Wednesdays 7pm – 8.30pm A fun social club for boys and girls from 9 to 18 who have learning disabilities. Activities include: Art and crafts, board games, outside play in the warmer months and hanging out with friends! Pine Cones Family Centre, (behind Livingstone Lower School) Clapham Road, Bedford. For further information please contact the club leader Jeff Smith on 07798 762 808 MENCAP – Sparkle Club Wednesdays in term time between 7.00pm – 9.00pm Social club for adults with learning disabilities. Putnoe Primary School, Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0DH. www.bedfordmencap.org.uk

THURSDAYS

FLAG Bedford Thursday afternoons 2-4pm FLAG Bedford (Friendship Link & Action Group) is a social group for adults with a sensory and/or physical or learning disability, and their carers, who live in the Bedford area. Our aim is to combat social isolation and loneliness. Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Avenue, Bedford. Contact Linda on 07815 196357 or email flag25@hotmail.co.uk Linedancing Absolute Beginners 7.00pm – 8.00pm (Still Room) Improver/Intermediate 8.00pm – 10.00pm (Still Room) Kempston Hammers Social And Sports Club, 134 High Street, Kempston MK42 7BN (Air Conditioned Hall/On Site Parking) Tel 07969847553 www.dancingstars.comli.com Bedford Pipe Band Thursdays 7.30pm – 9.30pm Friendly & relaxed group beginners to experienced. New members welcome. St John’s Church hall (MK42 0DL), Bedford. Contact Pipe Major Donald Reid 01234 268475. Mrs. Barrett (Band Secretary) 01234 360967. www.bedfordpipeband.org.uk Bedford Gallery Quire 1st, 3rd, 5th Thursday of each month 7.30 pm We welcome those interested in singing/playing’West Gallery’ music from the early 18th century to the mid 19th century.Priory Methodist Church, Newnham Ave, Bedford. Contact Ken Baddley 01234 310018 www.bedfordgalleryquire.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON Bedford Folk Dance Company Thursday eves 8 – 10 pm Friendly Country and Folk Dance Club £2 incl. Refreshments Putnoe Heights Church, Bedford MK41 8EB No partner required Ron Law 01234 825574 www.bedfordfolkdanceclub.com Magpie Ladies Group Friendly group who meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm Guest Speakers and social events Tea/Coffee and cake included. New members welcomed. St Mark’s Church, Calder Rise, Brickhill. (No meetings in August). Please Contact: Rosemary 01234 405594 or Barbara 01234 304960 Art Friends – Art for fun and friendship for all Thursdays 9.30am – 12.30pm Supportive club where beginners to those more experienced can develop their art work Suggested donation £4 Bromham Baptist Church, Village Road, Bromham, MK43 8JP. Enquiries please call: Jackie 07880 518465, Kevin 07780 756436 or Lindsay 07960 329609 Flower School Thursday evenings 5pm – 7pm Various arrangements covered with a demo followed by the opportunity for students to complete the same design to take home. April Flowers, 90 High Street, Clapham. Booking essential Call Amy on 01234 343335 / 07794 827137 P.M Bridge Group First and third Thursdays of each month 11am to 2.45pm Friendly duplicate bridge Good standard buffet lunch £6 including lunch, tea or coffee. Renhold Village Hall. Tel Ann on 01234 212066 Linedancing Thursday Kempston Hammers Social And Sports Club 134 High Street High Street Kempston Bedford MK42 7BN Absolute Beginners 7.00pm – 8.00pm (Still Room) Improver/Intermediate 8.00pm – 10.00pm (Still Room) www.dancingstars.comli.com tel:07969847553/

FRIDAYS

Putnoe Heights Machine Knitting Group. Alternate Fridays 9.30 – 12.30 September to July Beginners and Improvers all welcome Marion Sutton on 01234 217647 Bedford Fine Companions Folk Dance Club Friday 8pm to 10pm 9 (Term Time) We are a friendly group always ready to welcome new members. No partner required. Hazeldene School Bedford MK41 9AT (use Hartshill entrance). Chris Rutt email:-carutt@ntlworld.com or telephone 01462 700451. www.finecompanions.wordpress.com or find us on Facebook. Bedfordshire Family History Society Meet the 1st Friday of every month. New members welcome Contact Lynn on 01234 306482 Held in the Drama Hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX www.bfhs.org.uk

Friday Daubers Every Friday 1pm-4pm Friendly group of amateur daubers meets to spend a few hours enjoying our hobby. We use a variety of media. If you enjoy drawing and/or painting why not join us. 5 Lansdowne Road, Bedford Contact Anne 07548 840856 or Jenny 01234 824568 or email Marianne marianne.sellers@virginmedia.com

SUNDAYS

Marlins Special Needs Swimming Club Sundays 6.30 – 8pm For learning and physical disabilities. All ages welcome. Admission £2 Carer free. Oasis Swimming Pool Bedford Call Rose on 07954784795 or Val 07973859940 or just turn up!

COMMUNITY / CHARITY EVENTS Calling All Puppies! Come and join the Yappy Tails Puppy Pack! Puppy Training and Socialisation for puppies up to 6 months old! 5 weeks starting Saturday 7th July and Saturday 11 August. 11.30am – 12.15pm at Biddenham Pavilion, Deep Spinney, Biddenham, MK40 4PZ More info: Diana 07889 186646 yappytails@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/yappytail/ Afternoon Vintage Tea Friday 22nd June 2pm to 4pm Christ the King Parish Hall Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP Admission £3 – Tea, homer-made cake and dancing For Information call 01234 404563 Fun Day Fundraiser for GME Research in dogs Saturday, 21st July, 2018 10am – 5pm Join us for a fun filled day, to raise funds for GME Finding A Cure Research. Raffle, Auction, Novelty/Fun dog show with classes including prettiest bitch /handsomest dog and fun Doggie Races.Welcome all Maltese pet owners and other toy breed owners – 6 Northampton Road, Bromham, Bedford MK43 8PE Money raised will go to the GME FIND A CURE FUND Research Team. Tel 07957 252330 Oakley Rural Day Centre Oakley Rural, The Old School, Lovell Road, Oakley, Beds, MK43 7RX Providing older people with a place to make friends in a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Activities including crafts, entertainment, quizzes and good old conversation. Home cooked lunches, tea, coffee. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For details of costs and advice regarding transport, contact Lynne on 01234 824935 or 07733 227374 www.oakleyrural.org.uk

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WHAT’S SERVICES ON MARKETS/JUMBLE TRAIL

FAMILY The Adventures of Dr Dolittle by Illyria Outdoor theatre show Wed 8th July Show starts at 6pm. Entry from 5pm. A funny, much-loved and exciting adventure, with a strong message about responsibility towards animals and the environment. Suitable for cheeky monkeys aged 4+. Adult £15, Children (4-16) £8, Family ticket, 2 adults 2 children £42. Lodge Nature Reserve, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 693333 Email: thelodgereserve@rspb.org.uk

mum2mum market Saturday 07 July 1:30pm – 3:30pm Quality second-hand baby, children’s and maternity clothes, preloved baby equipment and toys and much, much more. Over twenty stalls for you to browse and find those bargains. Goldington Academy, School Hall, Haylands Way, Bedford. Tel: 07792 736163 sam@mum2mummarket.co.uk

Marston Mud Outdoor Adventure Thursday 26 July 9.45am to 3pm This popular event is back so it’s time to get messy with mud! A walk to the willow huts to make mud creatures in the trees. Marston mud is perfect for creating mud faces, monsters, animals…well, anything you like. Wear old clothes and be prepared to get messy. Sessions (1¼ hours) at 9.45am, 11.30am & 1.45pm. Call 01234 767037 or email info@marstonvale.org

Castle Jumble Trail Sunday July 8th 11am-2pm Toys, books, clothes, bric-à-brac, vintage wares, plants, cakes and jam. If you live within the boundary of Goldington Road, The Embankment, Newnham Avenue and St Cuthbert’s Street, then your ‘stall’ can be on the map. Registration fee £5 per house All proceeds go to local homelessness charity, Just Us (Justus.org.uk) Payment can be made at The Gordon Arms on Castle Road or by PayPal by emailing mandy. richardson123@btinternet.com. The map will be online and also available as hard copies at The Gordon Arms. FB Castle Jumble Trail.

Singalong at St. Paul’s Wednesday 11 July 10am-10.45am FREE Join us for playtime with songs and story telling in the safe surroundings of this town centre church. For pre school children with their carers. St Paul’s church, Bedford MK40 1SQ Further details 01234 266839 www.stpaulschurchbedford.org.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING Over 70’s Gentle Exercise Classes Every Monday and Wednesday (except bank holidays) Mondays – Bedford Central Library (3rd floor meeting room) Wednesday – Bedford International Athletics Stadium £4 per session Tel 01234 718835 www.bedford.gov.uk/sport Bedford Macular Support Group Third Monday of each month at 10:30 am. Volunteer Centre, 43 Bromham Road Offering practical and emotional support to people suffering central vision loss or Macular Disease. Speakers on a range of related topics. Info 01234 781372 Hearts In Beds Cardiac Support Group First Tuesday each month 7pm Priory Methodist Church Halls, Newnham Ave, Bedford, MK41 9QJ. Gentle exercise sessions from 7 – 7-30 pm under a qualified trainer. Everyone welcome, you don’t need to have a cardiac condition to join us. Raffle at the end of the evening. Contact Sid Luff, 01234 404671 or Ted Jolliffe 01234 327791

MUSIC, DANCE & THEATRE ‘Out and About’ with Bedford Sinfonia Baroque Players and Cantamus Chamber Choir Sunday 1st July St James’s church, Blunham 3.00 pm Sunday 8th July All Saints, Houghton Conquest 3.00pm Join us in these historic village churches for another delightful afternoon of music followed by tea and cakes. Programme includes Vivaldi’s The Seasons, Handel’s Dixit Dominus and Kuhnau’s (arr. by Bach) Der Gerechte Kommt um (The Righteous Perish) Directed by Jan Kaznovski and Henry Vann Tickets at the door Swing’s The Thing Thursday July 5th 8pm Big Band Swing close up & acoustic Tickets £12.50. The Place, Bedford www.theplacebedford.org.uk Call 07802 705401 Summer Concert Thursday 5th July 7.30 p.m. Enjoy a lovely evening listening to a range of different musical styles performed by our music students and the musicians from the specialist music school in Germany. (A joint concert with our partner school, E.T.A. Hoffmann Gymnasium, Bamberg, GERMANY) Tickets for this event will be available in June from Mrs K. Frelick, Box Office, Wootton Upper School. Telephone: 01234 767123. Kimberley College, Green Lane, Stewartby, Beds MK43 9LY Barn Dance Fri 6th July 7.30pm to 11pm Caller Mike Wooldridge. Prize for best dressed person. Bar available, Raffle, Bring your own food Tickets £5 adult, £3 child. Christ the King Parish Hall Harrowden Road, Bedford MK42 0SP For information call on 01234 965497

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WHAT’S ON OPUS 18 – Summer Concert Saturday 7th July 7.30pm Proceeds from the concert And raffle to Bedford Daycare Hospice and Bedford Disabled Horse Riding Association Tickets £8 (Children Under 14 £5) Includes Refreshments St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton Rd, Bedford MK40 2PF Contact Evelyn Sutherland on 07974 742552 or at evsutherlandmusic@hotmail.co.uk www.opus18communitychoir.org.uk Bedford Organ and Keyboard Club Wednesday 25 July 7.30pm – 10pm Present newcomer to BOKC, STEVE CLARK in Concert Members £5 Non-Members £6 Pay at door Refreshments/Bar/Raffle Addison Centre, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8PN Tel: 01234 344423 www.organfax.co.uk/clubs/bedford

OPEN GARDENS/SUMMER FAIRS Stevington Village Open Gardens Sunday 1st July 1pm to 5pm Come and visit a variety of village gardens open this afternoon, fundraising for St Mary‘s Church Stevington. Teas and cake, raffle, plant sale and parking. We look forward to seeing you. Satnav for parking MK43 7QB Entrance £5 per person, under 12s free Bromham Village Annual Show Sun 8th July 11.30am – 5pm Official opening – 1pm Come along to our annual village show and enjoy a great value day out. We have attractions for the whole family and community. Main arena – Dogs and ducks display, Irish Dancers, The Army Reserves, Gymnastics display, Line dancing, Mini football, sports challenge and much more. There will also be be a flypast by a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire aircraft, something not to be missed. Village Road, Bromham, Beds, MK43 8LD www.bromhamshow.com The Kimbolton Country Fayre & Classic Car Show Sunday 8th July Gates open at 11am 1000 classic cars accompanied by their owners and over 80 stall holders. Plus lots of entertainment and new this year a display by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. All Profits go to charities and good causes supported by Rotary. For more details, visit our web site www.kimboltoncountryfayre.com

SPORTS & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ARCHERY

Ouse Valley Archers Thursdays 7.00pm – 9.00pm and Sundays 2.00pm – 4.00pm Currently offering a four week introduction in target archery. Courses run by Archery GB approved coaches and all equipment provided. For experienced archers or those who have completed a beginners course the club shoots indoors/outdoors at Putnoe Primary School & Field, Church Lane, Bedford For further details visit our website or contact info@ ousevalleyarchers.com

BADMINTON

Wootton Badminton Club Thursdays from 7.30pm to 10.00pm This friendly club welcomes anyone who does or has played badminton, sorry no absolute beginners. Wootton Upper School, Hall End, Wootton, Beds, MK43 9HT. Contact: Freda Dunlop 01234 270638 or garry.freda@btinternet.com www.woottonbedfordbadmintonclub.weebly.com

BASKETBALL / DODGEBALL

Bedford Thunder Basketball Club Mini Basketball (Reception to Yr 5) Sundays 9.30am – 11am U14s Development (Yr 6 to Yr 9) Sundays 11am – 12.30pm U18’s Session (Yr 10 to Yr 13) Sundays 2pm – 3.30pm Bedford Academy, Mile Road, Bedford MK42 9TR For fees and more information please email coach@ bedfordthunder.com Bedford Mighty Eagles Dodgeball Team Tuesday’s 8pm-9pm We are a club that plays at a high level but would love anyone from any sporting ability and background to come down and give it a go. 15yrs or over. Men’s and women’s squad. First training session is FREE and then each session is only £3 after that Hastingsbury school, Hill rise, Bedford, Mk42 7EB

BOWLS

Become a Wheelstar at Kempston Bowls Indoor Bowls Club If you are disabled and rely on a wheelchair to get around you may be interested in visiting Kempston Park Indoor Bowls Club. Every Tuesday from 12pm until 1.30pm a group of disabled people meet to play bowls from special ‘buggies’ in a friendly environment. A meal is available at the end of the session. You don’t need to have previously bowled. Pop in any from 12pm until 1.30pm to obtain information and to see if you would be interested in a trial. Telephone Anne or Doug on 01234 841071 Kempton Park Indoor Bowls Club Largest Indoor Bowls Club in the area for all ages and abilities. We offer a free taster session with one of our sixteen qualified coaches followed by 4 coaching sessions at a time to suit you. Bowls and bowls shoes provided for your lessons. Superb facilities. Phone today on 01234 852291. 290 Hillgrounds Road Kempston MK42 8UB. www.kempstonparkbowls.co.uk Bromham Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday evenings 7.00 pm – 9.30 pm (year round) Monday afternoons 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm (September to June only) Friendly group of people that play short mat bowls. Fun, in-expensive, sociable game for all ages with a cuppa at half time. First two sessions are free and where training can be given. Just bring a pair of flat shoes or even your slippers! Bromham Village Hall Contact Sue Amor on 01234 823610 for more details Mowsbury Park Bowling Club Wednesday or Friday 2pm to 4.30pm. Try lawn bowls for FREE Just bring flat shoes. For more info about our club please contact Anne Haynes on 01234 211828 www.mowsburyparkbowlsclub.co.uk

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Bedford Borough Bowling Club Est over 100 years now enrolling new members and forming a junior section. Indoor and outdoor bowling greens. FREE tuition from qualified instructors, with all equipment provided. Just wear flat shoes. Bar and comfortable lounge area with restaurant facilities for lunch time meals. Check our web site www.boroughbowlin.org.uk or telephone 01234 340736 for more details Bedford Bowling Club Welcome Sessions Every Tuesday and Friday 2pm – 4pm Warm, friendly club and the green is in a sheltered & idyllic part of the park.Taster sessions in Bedford Park (near the café), and we welcome anyone who would like to try the game. All equipment provided just wear flat soled shoes to protect the green. No cost or obligation and tea and biscuits provided.For full information ring Ray on 305695, Warwick on 403551, or Alison on 343257. Or check out our new web site google “bedfordbowlingclub, Bedford – hugo fox”.

CYCLING

Cycling Uk Bedfordshire We meet on a regular basis and have rides to various places, and cater for all abilities. We ride as a group for the pleasure of riding and socialising, nobody gets left behind! See website ctc-bedfordshire.co.uk for details of our forthcoming rides, or ring 01234 219148 for further information.

FOOTBALL

Bedford United Football Club A non-profit making football club holding the FA Charter Standard status providing a fun, friendly, safe and structured environment to learn, play and enjoy football. We have an established range of teams from our Academy right through to our Adults so if you’re interested in playing, coaching or helping out visit us at www.bedfordunitedfc.co.uk. Bedford FC Mini Soccer Club Every Saturday at Goldington Academy 10.30am till 12.15pm. Boys and girls aged 4-10yrs. £3.00 per child and £5 for two children. Our sole aim is to provide children of all abilities with a unique footballing experience, developing their physical, social and communication skills in a safe environment. Toilet and changing facilities and plenty of car parking spaces. www.bedfordfcminisoccer.com. Bedford Girls and Ladies FC Voluntary sports club for girls age 8 and upwards. If you’d like to find out more info please call Jill on 01234 772668 or 07850540631.

GOLF

Bedford and County Golf Club Facilities for membership to suit all. Superb indoor and outdoor coaching from one of the best Professionals in the county. If you have not played the Course before phone today for a complimentary round. Award winning halfway house hospitality on site and excellent catering in the Club house. Green Lane, Clapham, Bedford MK41 6ET Tel 01234 352617 or www.bandcgc.co.uk

KARATE

GKR Karate Classes Wednesdays at 6.30pm to 7.30pm Free trial classes through April and June. Anyone who turns up for a class who is not already a GKR student will get a free 1 hour training session. No pressure to join. Putnoe Heights Church, 32 Putnoe Heights, Bedford MK41 8EB

MARTIAL ARTS

Shinpi Izumi Martial Arts Club – Ju Jutsu style Juniors – Mondays -term time only 6-7pm Adult / Senior Tuesdays – all year round 8-9pm St Cuthbert’s Hall, Newnham Street, Bedford, MK40 3JR Please contact Rob Sensei on 07840 314869 for prices and further information One month free trial available

RUGBY

Little Scrummers Rugby Club Every Saturday at Kings Oak Primary School 8.30am until 11.10am. Exciting, fun & inspiring children’s tag rugby classes for girls and boys from 18 months up to 7 years old! We want to bring rugby to children at a young age to enable them to build their confidence, enjoy sport & have fun! For more information & to book in for a FREE TRIAL please visit us at www.littlescrummers.com

RUNNING

Bedford Parkrun every Saturday Meet at The Bandstand at 9am. Join us for a 5km run around the park (dogs, children and buggies all welcome).Register for free on the Parkrun UK website http://www.parkrun.org.uk

TABLE TENNIS

Social Table Tennis Mondays & Tuesdays 7.30pm-10.00pm All Ages Welcome. Just Turn Up £4 per player per session, Bats Available, Free Hire Coaching Available. Sports Hall, Lincroft School, Oakley Call John 07921 093199 Bedford Community Table Tennis Club Every weekday at 2 venues: Bedford Academy Mile Road and Church Lane Community Centre, Goldington. Each session is 2 hours. First Session is FREE at Bedford Academy Wednesday 7.30pm-9.30pm Call Harvey on 07884 938753 first.

BedsLife Magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes, amends or cancellations of an event.

To list your event in August please email christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk by

Friday 13th July

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Coming to MK Theatre this July!

What a feeling!

Joanne Clifton takes the lead in Flashdance

More than 13.1 million people tuned in to BBC1 to see JOANNE CLIFTON and her partner Ore Oduba lift the glitterball trophy in the final of the 2016 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Now she is playing Alex, the steel welder-cum-nightclub dancer in Flashdance The Musical, currently on tour across the UK.

Q What’s your earliest dance memory and did you want to put on the ballet shoes and tutu or throw yourself into body popping? My earliest memory is being at my mum and dad’s dance school. We were just toddlers but Kevin would join in and as soon as he did I would copy him. Then mum put me into ballet but I was just awful at it so I did ballroom, Latin and then we did Disco and little group dances. And then we started entering competitions when Kevin was five and I was four. Q Having left Strictly, you went into the tour of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Was Musical Theatre a new direction for you or a return to an earlier love?

pain in her heart. She also feels pain in her legs I’d never all really in musical I had because thistrained time, her love for theatre him hasbut been her private lessons in singing and acting when I was a coping mechanism for masking the pain in her legs kid growing and acting bestowed onup. herI absolutely by the Sealove Lord.singing Her journey is and I like theemotional excitement of the audience coming in quite a long one. and only knowing me as a dancer, sitting there and thinking let’s see if she can actually act’! Q. What ‘ooh, is your favourite element of the costumes you’ll be wearing? Q In Flashdance, you have to perform several They are all so different to everyone else’s! I also dancea routines arelearn so well they have have tail and I that had to howknown to dance whilst become iticonic movie Howas are you wearing to learn howmoments. the tail moves well as feeling aboutitthat? how to make look most natural. I absolutely love it. I think the audience will get theEven samethough feelingitas When the music starts, Q. is me. darker than the Disney particularly Maniac andchildren What astill Feeling, an the adaptation, what can enjoyI get about absolute buzz and I can’t wait to do it. production? You have three mermaids in beautiful costumes Q What is itthe about Flashdance that will really and Dillion Seahorse who children will love. appealare to audiences? There fish and jellyfish, sailors, women in It is such an iconic movie, everybody knows beautiful costumes and a Sea Lord! The colours of Flashdance, knows What and a Feeling the stunning everybody costumes are beautiful the music and everybody the Maniac it’s is fantastic!– theknows underwater worldwater has a scene, different going to forworld, those creating moments!a beautiful sound tobe thegreat human divide.

Performances: Mon 16 – Sat 21 Jul. Evening 7.30pm, Wed & Sat matinees 2.30pm. Prices: From £17 (£20.90 online/phone)* Box Office: 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee)* Groups Hotline: 0333 0095 939 Access Booking: 0800 912 697 (bkg fee)* Online Booking: www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes* *A transaction fee applies. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

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Prize crossword SERVICES

Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 13th July. Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY

ÂŁ25 Prize Across

7 Puff, wisp, waft (6) 8 Medicine which induces vomiting (6) 9 Dwell (4) 10 Transparent danger to drivers (5,3) 11 Hiking over fells (4,7) 14 Suitcase storage on train (7,4) 18 Destroying (8) 19 Taunt, catcall (4) 20 Administer with a needle and syringe (6) 21 Smaller, not as important (6)

Down

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SERVICES

& GARDENER CM

Limited

BUILDERS LTD General builders with over 30 years experience For your free quotations please contact us on Te: 01234 602 313 Mob: 07511 349 450 Email: chrismgardener@hotmail.com

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Acorn House is the only gold standard cat friendly clinic in Bedford • Dedicated cat waiting area • Cat only hospital ward • Committed to gentle handling • Spacious accommodation with individual igloo beds • Separate isolation wards to protect other patients • Extended consults at no extra cost • 24h emergency service staffed by our own vets and nurses • House visits for those cats that would prefer to stay at home! Acorn House Veterinary Hospital Linnet Way, Brickhill, Bedford MK41 7HN

Tel: 01234 261839 www.acornhousevets.com Register online today. 46

Does your cat have

high blood pressure? J

ust like people, cats can develop high blood pressure as they get older. One in eight cats over the age of nine years is thought to suffer from the condition.

High blood pressure can cause severe damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain. Unfortunately, there are no early warning signs to show that a cat has high blood pressure. Just like people with high blood pressure, they will typically appear perfectly fine for months or years, then suddenly have a serious complication (such as sudden loss of vision, or a stroke). It is important to screen cats regularly for high blood pressure, so that it can be treated before serious complications occur. The current recommendation from the International Society of Feline Medicine is to check the blood pressure of older cats every year, starting from the age of seven years.

Blood pressure measurements in cats are made using an inflatable cuff, very similar to the machines used to measure blood pressure in people. The cuff is usually placed around the top of the tail and gradually tightens and loosens until a reading is made. The measurement is repeated several times to make sure that an accurate result is obtained. High blood pressure can be treated with medication, usually tablets, that is taken once daily on a long-term basis. Cats can have their blood pressure measured at any time. The test can be carried out in the consultation room with the owner present, it is not painful and it only takes a few minutes. Please contact Reception if you would like to book your cat in for a blood pressure check. At Acorn House Veterinary Hopsital, blood pressure measurement is now included in the annual health check and vaccination appointment for all cats over the age of seven years, at no additional cost.

It is important to screen cats regularly for high blood pressure, so that it can be treated before serious complications occur. 47

Take Me Home

Cats Protection Bedford and Biggleswade

Amber

Jasmine

Maggie & Ellie

Amber deserves a loving home where she feels safe

Indoor cat seeking human company

Gentle pair of girls looking for their new forever home

Alice & Logan

Lucy

Angus

Looking for an understanding home to let them grow

Looking for attention and human company

Lovable rogue looking for a home to call his own

Cats Protection Bedford and Biggleswade Branch Call 0345 260 2505 or visit www.bedford.cats.org.uk

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DC CARPENTRY Specialist in Carpentry & Joinery ly Free design on supp s en ch kit ted fit d an

Doors & Frames supplied & fitted Replacement Upvc facia and gutters Upvc doors and windows Laminate & Wooden flooring Decking fences and gates 6 Single hite ed w panell ply and fit up es door s ndles, hing inc ha nd latch a £70 from

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IN & AROUND

BEDFORD Discover places to visit and things to do in and around Bedford

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GARDENING

Peach Leaf Curl

each leaf curl is a springtime disease that occurs on peach, nectarine and related ornamental trees. High incidents of peach leaf curl are generally recorded during cool, wet springs after a mild winter has prevailed. The main form of damage is premature leaf drop. This weakens trees, making them more susceptible to other diseases and winter injury. Weakened trees also produce fewer fruit the following season.

Symptoms of leaf curl appear in the spring. Developing leaves become severely distorted (thickened and puckered) and have a reddish or purple colour. With time the leaf surface become powdery grey in colour before turn yellowing/ brown and then prematurely dropping from the tree. There is no secondary spread of this disease from leaves infected in the spring to new leaves produced later in the growing season. Diseased twigs become swollen and stunted and may have a slight golden colour. In addition, infected twigs normally produce curled leaves at their growing tips.

Peach leaf curl is caused by the fungus, Taphrina deformans, spores of which overwinter on bark and in buds. Infection occurs very early in the growing season. During cool, wet spring weather spores infect new leaves as they emerge from buds. The infection period for the fungus is very short as only very young leaf tissue is susceptible to attack. Peach Leaf curl is not difficult to control. As the fungus survives the winter on the surface of twigs and buds, a single fungicide, liquid copper or sulphur spray, thoroughly covering the entire tree, will provide good control. If peach leaf curl does result in significant defoliation in the spring, the fruit on affected trees should be thinned to compensate for the loss of leaves. Over-cropping the tree will weaken it and make it more susceptible to winter injury. Application of phosphite and calcium based fertilisers are recommended based on soil test results. Phosphite and calcium sprays and/or soil drenches have been shown to stimulate tree vitality .

For more advice visit: www.bartlett.com or contact Bartlett Tree Experts on 01767 627532 Visit us on Facebook at Bartlett Tree Experts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bedford UK 50

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Tim Brown 01767 627532 bedford@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com

BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS A Very Brown Hedge Indeed Aphids are one of the most common and troublesome of all garden insect pests. They attack a large number of garden plants throughout the country and are recently causing much disfigurement to ornamental conifer hedges. Commonly known as Greenfly and Blackfly, these aphids feed on hedges, sucking the sap of the plant and can spread several viruses, causing severe dieback. Cypress Aphid is currently troublesome and pre-dominantly affects conifer hedging. Damage inflicted on conifer hedges by the aphid Cinara cupressi is severe and can lead to large brown patches on the hedge. This leads to localised foliage death, reducing the aesthetic look of the hedge. As the aphid is active from May to October it is important to catch this problem early and apply treatments to stop its spread. At the first sign of brown patches call us for a free consultation and professional advice.

Tree & Shrub Pruning l Planting l Tree Removal l Stump Grinding l Hedge Cutting Health & Safety Reports l Disease & Insect Control To advertise with us please get in touch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

Feeling

Fruity

ave you ever wished you could grow fresh fruit in your garden but worry the space is too small, or it won’t look pretty, or it’s too difficult? What if I was to tell you that even a beginner can successfully grow a wide variety of fruit from apples and pears to plums, cherries, blueberries and raspberries, and possibly even figs or nectarines? The first thing you need to know is that the sweeter the fruit is meant to be the more sun it will require. Sun boosts sugar levels. If you have a sunny wall it’s an ideal place to train a sun-loving fruit tree like a peach or an apricot. Plant the tree at the base of the wall but not too close (about 30cm is about right) in soil enriched with fertiliser and good quality compost. As it grows splay the branches evenly and attach them to the wall. As the plant grows gradually cut out old straggly branches and tie in new healthy branches. The idea of splaying or ‘fanning’ is that as much sun as possible gets to the fruit, so it can ripen beautifully and maximise your crop. It also has the benefit of being a great space saver. Choose a variety that won’t grow too large.

In slightly shadier spots you can grow gooseberries or raspberries, or my favourite morello cherries. Most of these come in compact varieties and can also be fan-trained against a wall if space is an issue. I have a tiny orchard of minarettes – space-saving apple, pear and plum trees bought as single vertical stems which I grow in pots. They grow to a maximum of 6 feet / 2m high and no wider than 45cm. My children love them! Simply cut back the side stems to about 10cm at this time of year and you’re good to go. Just remember that pot-grown plants rely totally on you for their food and water. Thick glazed / non-porous pots are best because they retain water and act as insulation in extreme cold. Use the correct compost and food for the plant but most will do well with a regular high potash liquid feed from early spring to late summer. As a gardener I was quite late to fruit-growing, but I realised quickly that it becomes an addictive hobby. And as a complete bonus I’ve noticed a definite increase in my bee population over the past few years. Free food, and good for the environment too. What could be better?

GARDENING

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Guttering Problems? • Gutters cleaned • Leaking gutters repaired • New guttering fitted All by a friendly, local, established company Call Rob on

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T J Gardening Services Making your garden look beautiful

that includes mowing, strimming, hedge cutting, maintenance and clearance. For all enquiries in Bedfordshire please contact Tony: 07971 867729 tjgardeningservices@outlook.com

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